Greece-based LPG and product tanker specialist Naftomar has significantly expanded its MR portfolio by acquiring a modern sextet of vessels
The Zein family led company has updated its tanker fleet list on its website, adding 45,999-dwtPantherlight (built in 2016), along with 2017-built Astrolight, Miami Light, Pearl Light, Frank Light and Kokolight. Previously operating a fleet of seven product tankers – a mix of LR1 and MR units acquired over the past few years – Naftomar has nearly doubled its presence in the segment with these latest additions.
Notably, European shipbrokers reported in May that Naftomar was linked to a deal involving BP’s British Chief, British Engineer, British Officer, British Cadet, British Captain and British Sailor. These vessels match the age and specifications of those now listed under new names on Naftomar’s website.
Sources estimate the deal’s value at approximately US$190–192M. Some brokers noted the six Korean-built vessels attracted 16 offers, highlighting robust demand and potentially setting a price benchmark for modern MR tankers.
Naftomar has been approached for confirmation regarding whether the newly listed vessels are indeed ex-BP tankers. According to Equasis, the original names of the vessels have not yet been changed.
LPG operations and VLAC order
Naftomar remains one of Greece’s largest LPG players, with a fleet of 20 vessels, including four very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) currently under construction at Hanwha Ocean in South Korea. The company placed the order in late 2023, valued at around US$500M, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026.
Founded in 1972 in Beirut, Lebanon as a trading house focused on petroleum product distribution in the Mediterranean, Naftomar later expanded by opening a chartering and ship management office in Piraeus, Greece. In 1991, the company relocated its business headquarters to Voula, in the greater Attica region.
